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First Look – 2021 Mercedes-AMG GLB 35

Small Crossover Gets Hotted-Up AMG Treatment

The new Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class will be joined next year by a hotter variant, the 2021 Mercedes-AMG GLB 35. Sharing a good deal with the also-new 2020 Mercedes-AMG A 35 sedan, the GLB 35 adds seven-seat versatility and SUV cargo space to the small AMG family.

AMG Heartbeat

Under the GLB 35's flat hood lies the same 2.0L turbocharged I-4 as the A35. This AMG-optimized engine produces an impressive 302 hp and 295 lb-ft thanks to a twin-scroll turbocharger, high-pressure direct injection, and variable valve control. What's more, peak torque is available from 3,000 to 4,000 rpm. The Mercedes-AMG GLB 35 should run from 0-60 mph in 5.1 seconds, according to the automaker, with a limited top speed of 155.

The engine routes power through an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, with roadholding duties handled by AMG Performance 4Matic all-wheel drive. The front-biased drivetrain can provide 50/50 split torque distribution between the axles, although in certain situations the rear wheels are just along for the ride.

Synapses Firing

While AMG models of old were more like hot rods than sports cars—massive power, but poorly controlled suspensions—new ones from Mercedes' speed shop tend to back up their engines with some good handling too. That should hold true for the GLB 35, which gets all-new steering knuckles and control arms up front and wheel carriers and subframes at the rear, combined with AMG-tuned springs and shocks.

Electric, speed-sensitive power steering reduces effort at low speeds, making parking lots and urban driving less of a chore, while maintaining a relatively tight helm when going faster. AMG performance brakes consist of ventilated and drilled 13.8-inch front and 13.0-inch rear discs, with four-piston fixed front and one-piston floating rear brake calipers. Those stoppers should provide plenty of clamp while still allowing for good cooling and fade resistance.

The Beholder's Eye

Whether you like the compact Benz crossover's boxy, neo-GLK styling or not, it's hard to argue with the improvements made to the 2021 Mercedes-AMG GLB 35. Vertical grille bars in an AMG-specific grille tie the GLB in with the rest of the division's products, paired expertly with a subtle front splitter. Around the back, a large rear bumper, twin-outlet AMG exhaust, and hatch-mounted spoiler further the visual aggression. An available AMG Night package adds gloss black to elements in the grille and front and rear bumpers, as well as black chrome for the tailpipes. AMG-specific 19-inch wheels are standard; options include 19-, 20-, and 21-inch rollers.

Inside, it's fairly basic GLB fare, with a standard flat-panel gauge/infotainment combination display, optional third-row seat, and generally impressive materials. AMG has its way with the front seats, which get sportier bolstering, MB-Tex vinyl and Dinamica microfiber upholstery, and red topstitching. Red seatbelts are standard, and two optional leather upholstery packages are available.

MBUX infotainment integration is standard on the GLB 35, which includes "Hey Mercedes" natural speech recognition, touch-sensitive thumbpads on the steering wheel spokes, a touchscreen center display, and a trackpad in the center console. The variety of interface options makes MBUX one of the more adaptable and ergonomic infotainment systems we've experienced. We expect more of the same from the Mercedes-AMG GLB 35, which will receive unique screen options and design motifs owing to its performance-vehicle status.

The 2021 Mercedes-AMG GLB 35 will be revealed next month at the 2019 Frankfurt Motor Show, with U.S. sales starting by late next year. Expect it to be substantially cheaper than the $57,000 GLC 43 sport uteâwe predict about $45,000 to start.